Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The fact is that the front-line staff, the people in the hospital, are asking me what is the point in extending hours when the existing slots are not taken up. Consultants, nurses and everyone else are waiting around with no patients. That is the reality. There is a problem with the referrals from the GPs. The GPs obviously have good reason for not sending patients to Nenagh Hospital and we need to know what that reason is.

Management must engage with the staff in the hospital. Those in management must listen to the staff and respect their opinions. They must make decisions in conjunction with the staff. None of that is happening. That lack of consultation has led to uncertainty, confusion and resentment. That resentment is now manifesting in the fact that the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, is to ballot its members on strike action. Whatever information the Minister is getting is not accurate. I am getting information from people on the front line, people on the ground, those who are working in the service every day. They are completely disillusioned.

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